Interesting arguments all. I enjoy the leisurely beginning of THE BIRDS. This is unlike me. I'm a known "pacing advocate." But like some fascinating suspense novels, the easy slide into terror makes it all the more frightening when we arrive. THE MAN WITH THE X-RAY EYES is superior to the silly Corman films. It's not without its comic book aspect, as the gentleman from Chicago has suggested. The bright colors and carnival look give it an expressionistic atmosphere. But this is not a goofy Roger Corman film. It's thoughtful and thought provoking.

I watched "X-ray Eyes" for the first time as my mother was dying. I was on the go day and night. But late in the evening, I took time to watch the video with...SUGAR! Shug was mom's dog. Now, needless to say, she's mine! I can't think of this interesting movie without remembering that night.

HUD was the movie that made me aware of Paul Newman. I was only nine in 1963. But I suspect even older people got their first look at the bad boy with this haunting Martin Ritt drama. I like it a lot.

What a great political drama. Politics. A microcosm of what’s wrong with human nature. Lies, greed, blackmail, fear, betrayal. And through the muck and mire of it all stands one lone figure of integrity: Henry Fonda. A cast of thousands. Or all who agreed to work w/tyrant, task master: Otto Preminger. I liked all the intertwining tales.

Chilling. Scary. This is in the hand of masters: Peck and Mitchum. Peck’s an attorney who sent Mitchum up the river. Mitchum’s back and Peck’s got him...up the wazooo. He's out for revenge and he’ll take it out on Peck’s wife and teenage daughter. Mitchum is brutal and relentless, just the way I like my bad guys. Peck must fight fire with fire to protect his family. Ooooh, you know what’d be a good grudge match: Robert Mitchum vs. Robert Ryan. And either one of them could play the good OR bad guy. This had me on the edge of my seat.

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“EXPERIMENT IN TERROR” -( Blake Edwards )

Lee Remick

Man, this is another good one. A bank teller and her kid sister are terrorized by an assailant who knows every move they make and wants money. Lots of it. Lee Remick is sufficiently terrified but finds strength dealing with this. Stephanie Powers is sufficiently nubile, and Glenn Ford is sufficiently authoritative. The asthmatic wheezing of Ross Martin gives him a sinister creepy edge in this taut thriller. The theme song is one of the greatest in movies:

If you’re creeped out by “The Last Sunset” then you might downright break out in hives over “Lolita.” But I have unlocked the key to the heart of this movie. This is a very biting black comedy. James Mason is in a very age-inappropriate relationship with teen angel, Sue Lyon. But as Lolita, Lyon seems to be in full control. Stanley Kubrick walks a razor thin line between dark humor/satire and...“Eeeew, dude, you’re going too far.”

Shelley Winters just can’t get a break, can she. “Lolita” and “A Place in the Sun” and “Night of the Hunter” has Shelley’s in the way of young love, middle-aged lust or money, but she manages to tug on one's pathos. Sue Lyon, a mere sixteen, is great and looks like she’s in on the joke. Mason, unable to lure her with that silky voice of his, is just led around by his...obsession.

This movie is diabolical. It’s 60...70 years ahead of its time. In fact, its time might be right now. The Manchurians have assassins pre-programmed and ready to go. If there was any justice in the world, the Academy should do a re-count and award a 2015 Oscar to Angela Lansbury for her chilling performance. You just don’t know which way the movie’s going. And once you find out...you won't believe it.

Cary Grant is the perfect-dashing-debonair-handsome leading man to get you wet. Soaking and splashing wet. See...his car splashes Doris Day during a rainstorm as she’s on her way to a job interview. As he makes amends, he takes her on a wild whirlwind romp of romance and misunderstandings. Perfectly cast with Gig Young, the comic foil a la Tony Randall, Audrey Meadows, the acerbic best friend a la Eve Arden, John Astin as lecherous as can be; and a nice little turn by John Fiedler ( “You librarians sure get around.” ) This is a just a nice warm comedy and the chemistry is great between Hudson and Grant. The movie makes me smile.

All star ( mis ) cast in this one. Laurence Harvey seeks his one true love. But he never gets the memo that you can’t go home again. He mixes it up with trollopy Jane Fonda, 'Mexican' Anne Baxter and eventually finds his first love: the cool, European, icily elegant Capucine...in a brothel...with her Madame, played by Barbara Stanwyck, in love with her. Harvey has to go up against Stanwyck? Is he insane? Crazy in love. There’s a whole lot of steam going up in this Louisiana swampfest; like Tennessee Williams gone wild. You’ve got to see how it all hangs together. It’s just wild.

This is in the mold of “Sunset Boulevard.” I find this movie jawdroppingly amazing. Why? Simply because of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford; two screen queens - use their years of experience of life, acting. That’s not enough of a reason you say? Grand Guignol? Decaying Hollywood. Macabre, disturbing, poignant. And finally, pity. Two lives wasted. Bette should have won an Oscar for this and “All About Eve.” She was wild, childish and sadistic and revelled in her badness. Davis had the showier role, but Crawford was good too - reserved, tortured; And kudoes for the quiet strength of Maidie Norman.

I also find I agree with this list. Thanks, too, for the way you've presented it with trailers and a brief comment.

Particularly struck by your spot-on comments regarding the relevance in today's world of The Manchurian Candidate"and the power of Angela Landsbury's performance. It got to me so strongly that, when I first saw her on stage in "A Taste of Honey," I had real trouble accepting her as capable of playing comedy. Now that's a truly great actress!

AVATAR: Billy DeWolfe as Mrs. Murgatroid, “Blue Skies” (1946)

“My ancestors came over on the Mayflower.”“You’re lucky. Now they have immigration laws."Mae West, The Heat’s On” (1943)

kingrat wrote:Maven, are you going to post your 1962 picks? I'll wait before plunging into 1963. 1966 will be the last year for me. It certainly has been fun to work on these year-by-year lists.

Hi there. Brother Rat, you and ChiO continue to do your thing with the lists. I'll bring up the rear and play catch-up. I'm going to go up to 1969, just to complete the era. These lists have made me focus in on what I like and why. I've enjoyed reading everyone's lists.

RedRiver wrote:I watched "X-ray Eyes" for the first time as my mother was dying. I was on the go day and night. But late in the evening, I took time to watch the video with...SUGAR! Shug was mom's dog. Now, needless to say, she's mine! I can't think of this interesting movie without remembering that night.

Lucky Vassall wrote:I also find I agree with this list. Thanks, too, for the way you've presented it with trailers and a brief comment.

Particularly struck by your spot-on comments regarding the relevance in today's world of The Manchurian Candidate" and the power of Angela Landsbury's performance. It got to me so strongly that, when I first saw her on stage in "A Taste of Honey," I had real trouble accepting her as capable of playing comedy. Now that's a truly great actress!

Hi there Lucky - It's nice finding common ground with other classic film lovers. Thank you! I also know what you mean re: Angela Lansbury. ( What a fearless way she portrayed that role! ) I've been effected by other actors playing roles that have tainted their image in my memory almost forever after. After seeing Sam O'Neill in one of the "Omen" movies, I can never be comfortable with him. ( I secretly wished one of the dinosaurs ate him in "Jurassic Park." )

This post will interrupt the LIST thread momentarily while I talk to Robert's new grand son who was born on this Fourth of July.

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July 8th, 2014Tuesday

Hi there Tom,

I know there’s a 62-year age difference between us, but I was a baby once myself, so I think I can talk to you. I’m Theresa, your grandfather’s friend from college. Now I can tell you about some cartoons to watch, like Owl Johnson ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytR7-wT0Qqw ) but it’s about movies for me. Your grand-dad and I talk about movies...a lot. Eventually you’re going to be watching movies. ( It’s in your DNA. ) Let me offer you a suggestion of movies you should see. You’ll have lots of folks guiding you in this art form. And my suggestions aren't really fancy schmancy. They’re pretty basic and just scratch the surface of Movies. Now I may not be giving you good advice, but that's where parents, grandparents and aunts come in. I just wanted to put in my two cents while I have two cents to put in. All my two cents below are my own personal pennies:

COMEDY

There are black comedies and screwball comedies and romantic comedies. There are comedy-dramas too. This is a fun genre full of romance and fallacies about the opposite sex and implausible things happening. They usually have a happy ending, and what’s life without a happy ending:

* “ALL ABOUT EVE”

Bette Davis is the Queen of the Movies, and she’s a powerhouse. The lines in this movie are wicked and come fast and furious. You’ll hear great writing if you watch this movie.__________

* “HIS GIRL FRIDAY”

This is a cynical comedy, taking bites out of journalism and politics. The two leads ( Cary Grant & Rosalind Russell ) are never better. Take a nap first and then watch this.__________

* “TWENTIETH CENTURY”

This movie is a wild ride. It’s non-stop crazy antics, like you crazy kids in daycare bouncing off the walls. Carole Lombard and John Barrymore reign supreme here. Lombard was the Queen of Screwball Comedy in the 1930’s.__________

* DORIS DAY & ROCK HUDSON TRILOGY

This is comedy’s dream team. You’ve got tall dark and handsome Rock Hudson, beautiful blonde and virginal Doris Day. And let me not leave out the third musketeer: Tony Randall who is mostly their comic foil. “Pillow Talk” “Lover Come Back” and “Send Me No Flowers” are warm romantic fun. Share these movies with your future girlfriends. They’ll love you for it.

Life is not all primary colors. Sometimes life is sad. You may not win the girl everytime. You may have to eat your vegetables. ( That’ll be the end of the world but you’ll recover. ) Some say ‘tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. I dunno. These movies may have the answer to that:

* “CASABLANCA”

You may have to give up the girl you love and who loves you. But it’s all about sacrifice, recognizing the world is bigger than you. But try not to give her up.__________

* “NOW, VOYAGER”

This is known as a “woman’s picture” ( sometimes they use that word in a bad way ) but sometimes that’s not a bad thing. You will see a woman’s growth. It’s good for you to see that. Again, it stars Bette Davis.__________

* “RANDOM HARVEST”

Love never forgets, even if one of you loses your memory. One of the best acted movies of the 1940’s. ( My two cents, remember. )__________

* “PORTRAIT OF JENNIE”

Ahhhh so romantic. Be on the lookout for your muse in whatever passion you pursue. If only you see her and no one else does, don’t be alarmed.__________

* “IN A LONELY PLACE”

This movie is a little disturbing, but a good one by Nicholas Ray. ( Ray...see teen angst. ) You must learn to trust. And lying by omission is not good. Here’s another one with Bogart. And it also stars Gloria Grahame. Who is Gloria Grahame? Oh boy oh boy, just you wait.

Tom, this genre is my bailiwick. I just love it. I hope you will too. But tread carefully. It’s life on the dark side of the moon. Everyone plays rough. There’ll be violence...and betrayal. You can’t trust anyone in this world. People get hurt. It may not be a world you’ll be a part of ( I hope not ) but it’s good to know it exists. You can do it safely by checking out these films. Oh, and check out the directors and cinematographers who command this world. They do a lot with a little:

* “OUT OF THE PAST”

Some girls are nice. Some girls are mean. Pick wisely. If she steals money, stay away. If she looks anything like Jane Greer, well...__________

* “NIGHTMARE ALLEY”

This is what happens when your reach exceeds your grasp. You can reach for the stars little guy. Just reach for good things and don’t hurt people in the process. ( Tyrone Power...see handsomest man in the movies. )__________

* “THE STRANGE LOVE OF MARTHA IVERS”

Here’s a film noir from a woman’s perspective. And the woman is Barbara Stanwyck. She was one of the greats too; on par with Bette Davis, but in a different way. With this movie, sometimes you can’t go home again. Beware of houses with grand staircases.__________

* “THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE”

If she wears all white after Labor Day, run. And if a girl asks you to kill her husband, kiss her goodbye and then run even faster. Trust me on this. Make sure you see “Ossessione” which your grand-dad likes better, but you should probably wait until you’re twenty-one.

He is known as the Master of Suspense. He is a genre unto himself. He is probably the most well-known of all directors, by any kid in the sandbox ( or their parents. ) He’s a great filmmaker and tackles different topics: courtroom, religion, politics, obsession. And he threw in a comedy or two. I just love him. You could spend your whole high school years discovering and uncovering his films. He’s wonderful, and my favorite:

* “PSYCHO”

Love your mom. Be a good son. But date lots of girls your own age. You might be freaked out by this movie, but remember...it's only a movie. Besides, Norman wouldn't hurt a fly.__________

* “THE BIRDS”

If you don’t bother Nature, Nature won’t bother you. Think twice before you chase a pidgeon in the park. They have feathered friends. And, uhmmm...you might beware of blondes. ( I'm just sayin'. )__________

* “NOTORIOUS”

IF you love a girl, tell her. Don’t let her go into a den of Nazis.__________

Your grandpa and I talked about this film. I love it ‘cuz I love Teresa Wright. And Joseph Cotten is very good. He can play so many types of characters. They had good chemistry together in this battle for the family. You don’t have to be John Wayne to be a hero or to protect your family. Teresa Wright’s an example of bravery. And she’s awful cute, Tom. A nice girl you can bring home to your folks.__________

* “VERTIGO”

All isn’t what it seems. When you fall in love, will you fall in love with the person or the image of the person. This love thing is tricky. Talk to your folks. No wait...talk to your friends. It’s alll...about...Kim...Novak!

There are a lot of lessons in this genre. White hats vs. Black hats; conflicted heroes; a people oppressed; sweeping vistas. And horsies!! Lots of ‘em. You’ll see sheriffs and desperadoes. There’s redemption. You may have to pick a side someday.

This is my least confident genre, but there are some movies I can recommend for you. Other folks know better:

* “THE SEARCHERS”

Don’t let hate and revenge blind you.__________

* “THE OX BOW INCIDENT”

Don’t succumb to groupthink or mob mentality. But you may have to give in to peer pressure. Try to get the facts first before you banish a kid to Siberia. Maybe he's not the kid who stole your lunch. Why get in trouble?__________

* “HIGH NOON”

Sometimes you may be alone in the cafeteria and have to stand on principles. Watch how Gary Cooper does it. Then do what he does...without the gun.__________

* “DUEL AT DIABLO”

There’s two sides to every story, especially when woven together seamlessly. This is a rousing western, kid. ( As is “Jason and the Argonauts”!!! - though that’s not a Western. ) And yes, there were Black cowboys. ( Ha! I didn’t know that when I was a kid. Now you know. You’re ahead of the game at only four days old. )__________

Basically a thoroughly bad lot, Tom. But you’ve got to see what NOT to do. That’s a lesson in and of itself:

* “WHITE HEAT”

It’s okay to love your Mom, but date a lot of girls. Stay in school. And don’t do break the law. Cody does. And it blows up in his face.__________

* “ROARING TWENTIES”

Cagney is good as a good guy, and Cagney is good as a bad guy. The sooner you learn this, the more you will like movies. Don’t argue.__________

* “MARKED WOMAN”

Admire strong women who don’t take any guff from anybody. Respect all women. Oh yeah, you may learn to like Bette Davis. This is the third Bette Davis film I mentioned. Check out Warner Bros. for a bunch of hard-hitting films, when you’re a little older and know how to tie your shoe laces.

I’d better lump ‘em all together here. They may be of no nutritional value ( like ice cream or UTZ barbecue potato chips. ) But kids eat junks. And you're a kid. Some of these will just scare you. And you’ll like being scared, ‘cuz you know your folks are right in the next room:

* “FRANKENSTEIN”

IF you become a scientist, don’t bring the dead to life. That NEVER works. Try to cure people. Perhaps there won’t be cancer or AIDS when you’re a man.

* “DRACULA”

It’s not nice to bite people. You cannot make friends this way. Vampires are lonely people. Do not believe that old cable tv show, “True Blood.” They don’t know vampires.

* “THE MUMMY” - Watch Karloff in this movie because it has the best line in all of movies:

“Call her. He’s dragged her back to ancient Egypt. Call her. Her love for you will bridge the centuries.”

Love is very strong and powerful.__________

* “THE ATTACK OF THE FIFTY FOOT WOMAN”

Some may say it’s corny. And it is. But watch it anyway .And don’t cheat on your girlfriend. She may grow up to be a giant and hunt you down with papier mache hands. She’ll embarass you in front of your buddies.__________

* “THE INCREDIBE SHRINKING MAN”

There are some existential questions this film addresses. That sentence will make no sense to you at four days old...or a twelve years old. But the special effects are way cool!!! Be nice to your wife. You may shrink to be two feet tall. Hold off on getting any pets, too.

I don’t have a real clear reason for you to see this movie. And maybe no one will. ( LOL! That means Laugh Out Loud! I laugh at my own jokes, like Red Skelton did. ) But it [b]IS an end of sorts of an era what with Gable going, and this being Marilyn’s last completed film. You’ll learn about Gable and Monroe and all sorts of movie stars. Your friends won’t be impressed, but your grandparents’ friends’ll be thrilled you know this stuff. Be prepared to have your cheeks pinched.

Tough to explain cynicism to a little tyke like you. Movies here are rough. Lots of grown people throw other grown people under the bus. Under the bus? Well...it’s like thirty baby carriages rolling over your legs as you learn to crawl.

* “NO WAY OUT”

Have a diverse group of pals so you won’t be a jerk and a whackadoodle like Richard Widmark is in this movie.__________

* “SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS”

Watch this one closely. Study these folks. And then do the exact opposite of almost everyone in this movie. __________

* “THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE”

Don’t believe everything politicians tell you, left - right OR middle. Be careful who shuffles your cards. The deck could be stacked against you.

DO enjoy your journey with classic films and the films that'll be popular in YOUR day Tom. I wish I could be there. xoxo

I agree wholeheartedly with the compliments heaped upon you by the others. It is a magnificent idea, magnificently presented. I do hope that others will be inspired to present their opinions on the cinematic records we are leaving behind for future generations.

Come to think of it, that's exactly what this and other such discussion groups are doing. I trust that when they grow older Tom and others of his generation and future generations will search out these records and be inspired to discover the classics even if some of them aren't in color and some don't even have sound. (And they even require some kind of screen to view them on and are FLAT!)

Indeed, this past century is the first one that has been in a position to leave detailed lasting records, beyond static paintings and written words, that will live on far into the future. What a wonderful legacy.

AVATAR: Billy DeWolfe as Mrs. Murgatroid, “Blue Skies” (1946)

“My ancestors came over on the Mayflower.”“You’re lucky. Now they have immigration laws."Mae West, The Heat’s On” (1943)

Lucky Vassall wrote:I agree wholeheartedly with the compliments heaped upon you by the others. It is a magnificent idea, magnificently presented. I do hope that others will be inspired to present their opinions on the cinematic records we are leaving behind for future generations.

Hello Lucky. Thank you so much for saying that. You know you're right; the future needs us now.

Oh, and I know it looks romantic, Tom, but please, DON'T put your girlfriend in the shower to get rid of those nasty old faints.

Ahhhhh. One of the great screwball classics you got here. See Tom, like Wendy says ( JackFavell is her pretend name ) you canNOT go wrong with Lombard. And the movie'll teach you how to walk in another person's shoes:

...And yeah, that dumping into a shower only works in the movies. She won't be laughing.

In 1964 three French films stand out, as different as can be: old-line director Jean Delannoy’s LES AMITIES PARTICULIERES (THIS SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP); first-time director Alain Jessua’s LIFE UPSIDE DOWN; and Jacques Demy’s opera in pastels THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG. In Japan, Hiroshi Teshigahara gave us the Kafkaesque allegory WOMAN IN THE DUNES.

Oddly, most of the best English-language films were filmed outside of America, too, and not just the English films like THE PUMPKIN EATER, NOTHING BUT THE BEST, THE CHALK GARDEN, and SÉANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON. DR. STRANGELOVE was filmed in a London studio and in various far-northern locations. ZORBA THE GREEK was filmed in Crete, TOPKAPI in Turkey, Greece, and France; THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA in Mexico; ZULU in South Africa; THE SEVENTH DAWN in Malaysia. The American contingent was led by SEVEN DAYS IN MAY, THE BEST MAN, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, LILITH, and MARY POPPINS.

As for Oscar’s fave, the eagerly awaited MY FAIR LADY, the music is great, the gowns are lovely, and the performances are all enjoyable. There’s more picture than motion in this long, slow film, however.

This is the only year that my two favorite films of the year both begin with the letter “Z.”

Top 10 for 1964:

1. ZORBA THE GREEK – Michael Cacoyannis seems to have put everything he knew about filmmaking into this one film. Anthony Quinn’s greatest role. Alan Bates does as well as possible with the role of the dull, repressed outsider who needs to be brought to life by the larger-than-life characters played by Quinn and Lila Kedrova, as well as the beautiful widow (Irene Papas). Some have objected that the life which is affirmed in this film has some pretty dark aspects, but isn’t that the point? To have gorgeously composed shots and motion in the same film is a difficult task which ZORBA, unlike MY FAIR LADY, manages to achieve.2. ZULU – By all means, see this on the big screen if you get the chance. Can a director who made three films as good as TRY AND GET ME, HELL DRIVERS, and ZULU be totally neglected? If Cy Endfield’s day finally comes, better late than never, the TCM Film Festival will have played a large role in giving his work the attention it deserves. A film which honors equally the intelligence and bravery of both Zulu and British.3. DR. STRANGELOVE – Peter Sellers at his best, and one of Kubrick’s best.4. THE PUMPKIN EATER – Harold Pinter’s oblique and time-tricksy script, so fashionable at the time, is the weakness, but Anne Bancroft, director Jack Clayton, and the sublime bright-white cinematography of Oswald Morris make up for it.5. THE SEVENTH DAWN – Who wants to see a film about post-WWII politics in Malaysia? Not the viewers of 1964, but with the perspective of Vietnam, a story about Communism and colonialism in Malaysia seems more than relevant, with a solid suspense element as well. Capucine’s best work, opposite William Holden and Susannah York. Lewis Gilbert directs capably.6. SEVEN DAYS IN MAY – If this John Frankenheimer thriller isn’t so brilliant as THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, not many other films are, either. A smart and solid movie.7. NOTHING BUT THE BEST – It’s been years since I’ve seen this one. Alan Bates is a none too scrupulous working-class youth who seeks riches and power. Denholm Elliott is the posh gent in his way.8. THE BEST MAN – Gore Vidal’s play makes an effective film, with Henry Fonda and Cliff Robertson as the dueling candidates, and Lee Tracy in a juicy role as a former president.9. THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA – Of all the Tennessee Williams adaptations, this is the one I’d rather see. I particularly like Richard Burton in one of his best roles, Ava Gardner in probably her best late-career part, and Grayson Hall calling “Seducer!”10. THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN – In a tough choice for #10, I decided some enjoyable musical numbers gave MOLLY the nod.